The rule, which states that each car is limited to 100kg of fuel per race, was introduced to make the sport more fuel efficient.

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Following the race in Melbourne, Red Bull argued that there had been inconsistencies with the FIA's fuel flow meter throughout the weekend, but motorsport's governing body did not agree.

In a statement released Tuesday, Red Bull said: "We always believed we adhered to the technical regulations throughout the 2014 Australian Grand Prix. We are sorry for Daniel that he will not be awarded the 18 points from the event, which we think he deserved.

"We will continue to work very hard to amass as many points as possible for the team, Daniel and Sebastian (Vettel) throughout the season.

"We will now move on from this and concentrate on this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix."

Ricciardo, understandably, was also disappointed, but said the ruling had made him hungrier than ever.

"It's disappointing not to get the 18 points from Australia, but if anything it gives me more motivation to get back on the podium as soon as possible," Ricciardo said in a statement released on the Red Bull Racing website.

DR: "I'm stronger for it & hungrier than ever. Not that I need any more motivation, I'm pumped!" - Full reaction: http://t.co/MZ4De1YqEI

"I've had a few set-backs in the first couple of races this year, but in Bahrain I demonstrated that, if anything, I'm stronger for it and hungrier than ever to get back on the podium. Not that I need any more motivation, I'm pumped!"

The unsuccessful appeal means that the standings in both the constructors' and drivers' championship remain the same with the reigning world champions staying in fourth place with 35 points and Ricciardo 10th with 12 points.

NASCAR's Haas mulls F1 entry date

Meanwhile, NASCAR team owner Gene Haas says he will make a decision over the next few weeks as to when his proposed U.S. F1 team will make its debut in the sport.

Haas learned last week that the FIA had granted an application for the new team to enter the F1 championship. Initially, Haas hoped to line up on the grid next season, but that may be too early, he says.

"If we wait we'll end up spending even more money because we'll just be in a neutral position. We need to come up with a plan where we can arrive with a car, based on our partners' technology, within the rules of the FIA."

Haas has appointed Gunther Steiner, previously a technical director at Red Bull and Jaguar, as his team principal.

"We will announce in six to eight weeks what we are doing," Steiner said, Formula1.com reported.

"We want to make the right decision; we don't want to jump and say 'wow, we got this wrong' and fail. We have an option to start in 2016, so we will speak with people and make a qualified decision."